George W. Liechti

George W. Liechti, Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USUHS) School of Medicine in Bethesda, MD. His research focuses on the molecular genetics of bacterial pathogenesis, particularly the persistence mechanisms of human-adapted pathogens like Chlamydia trachomatis.

• Education: Ph.D. in Microbiology, Immunology, and Cancer Biology from University of Virginia (2012); M.S. (2008) and B.S. (2003) in Biology from The College of William and Mary.

Laboratory studies investigate how Chlamydia, Borrelia, and Helicobacter species maintain persistence through peptidoglycan synthesis, antibiotic resistance, and cell division dynamics. Recent work highlights the role of MreB in cell division, fosmidomycin-induced persistence, and novel proteins like ZapG in gamma-proteobacteria.

His scientific honors include the Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award Fellowship. Dr. Liechti serves as faculty advisor to the USUHS Postdoctoral Association and contributes to the American Society for Microbiology and Chlamydial Basic Research Society.